Species: Amblyraja radiata, Starry skate, Thorny skate

Amblyraja radiata  (Donovan, 1808)

Starry skate, Thorny skate

Body thick; disc rhomboidal, outer corners angular;  front edge of disc undulating in male; tail short, stout, < disc length; snout short, bluntly angled, its tip firm due to broad tapering snout cartilage; front pectoral fin rays distinctly separate from tip of snout; two lobes of pelvic fins connected by membrane; entire upper surface of disc rough with thorns with ribbed bases, many small thorns scattered over snout and pectorals; most of disc and tail with coarse denticles; large ribbed thorns around eyes & spiracles, on nape and shoulders; center of disc with a row of 9-34 very large thorns (with star-shaped, ribbed bases) from nape to 1st dorsal fin, number of those thorns varies geographically; claspers (sex organs) of mature males large, with club-shaped widened tip.